An analysis of Livonian werewolves in the Early Modern Era
Livonian Werewolves, 1500-1700s : An assessment of their historical significance and origins through the case of Old Thiess
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v11i3.3333Keywords:
Werewolves, Livonia, Early Modern, Early Modern Livonia, Terra Mariana, Europe, Case Study, Thiess of Kaltenbrun, Thiess, Old ThiessAbstract
This paper seeks to do an in-depth investigation on the phenomenon of Early Modern era (1500-1700s) Livonian werewolves. Noting their uniqueness in comparison to contemporaneous werewolves hailing from different geographic areas, I suggest that the Livonian werewolf is a metaphor for Livonian society at that time, one which was characterized by social turmoil and strict class hierarchy. This metaphor was utilized by different classes to establish their own interests in society, and thus I conclude that the werewolf is a mutable artifact whose value is contingent on its social context. I demonstrate this with the particular case of Old Thiess - A poor, elderly Livonian peasant who gave an unorthodox and anomalous testimony when accused of being a werewolf. In his defense, I show how Thiess was in fact alluding to social tensions by lambasting the rich, German elite and establishing the righteousness of the peasantry of which he was a member of.
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